Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (GTN-P)

Entry ID

GGD633

Summary

The Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (GTN-P) was established in 1999 by the International Permafrost Association to provide long-term field observations of active layer and permafrost thermal state that are required to determine the present permafrost conditions and to detect changes in permafrost stability. The GTN-P contributes to the World Meteorological Organization's Global Climate Observing System and Global Terrestrial Observing System. The network to date consists of about 100 active layer monitoring sites that contribute to the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring Program (CALM) and over 300 candidate boreholes for permafrost thermal monitoring. Details of CALM can be found in the CALM entry on the CAPS CD. The majority of the boreholes for the thermal monitoring component are between 10 and 125 m deep and are in the northern hemisphere although a few sites are located in Antarctica and Argentina. Metadata have been compiled for about 60% of the boreholes and is included on the CAPS CD and the GTN-P web site which will be updated as metadata are compiled. Summary historical data are also being compiled and will be available along with data submitted on an annual basis on the GTN-P web site which is hosted by the Geological Survey of Canada.